Some Gyaan In Your Inbox

Forgiveness And Gratitude

Learning to be grateful has brought about a lot of changes in my life and one of these changes is the ability to forgive and move forward. Part of the process of forgiveness is to be able to see how the person who hurt you had a role to play in your life. Looking back with gratitude for my past, I begin to realize that the people who’ve hurt me, taught me important lessons about life and about my own strengths and weaknesses. That makes it so much easier to forgive, for me at least.

I remember an episode from the not so recent past, when someone accused me very viciously of a whole lot of things, including stealing her ideas. In actual fact, I hadn’t stolen her idea, but just launched out on my own with another idea, thereby opting out of spending time and energy on hers. The reason I opted out was that I was beginning to feel uncomfortable around this person and her choices, although I couldn’t place my finger on what it was about her that seemed ‘wrong’. When she made that accusation, she showed me a side of her character that proved my suspicions. Her one mean act, resolved all confusion for me. Unwittingly, she taught me –

to trust my instincts more,

to focus on putting my ideas out there, and not try to play second-fiddle to someone else

In the process of forgiving her, I realized that she was just playing her part in teaching me things about myself that I might not have realized if she didn’t ‘shine a light’ on them. She also taught me to make a choice not to waste too much time on social media and to focus on my writing. Sincerely in my heart, I say a thank you to her.

Do you think there’s a link between forgiveness and gratitude?

Sarah Ban Breathnach says, “Forgiveness is a form of gratitude. When we forgive others, we show them the mercy that we have often received and been thankful for.”

Yes, that’s another way of looking at it. For all the times I’ve been saved from the consequences of my stupid choices, for all the times I’ve received forgiveness from others, how can I not be grateful? And how can I not forgive?

Jose (who celebrates his birthday tomorrow) and our life together. He has helped me to grow up and discover so much about myself that I didn’t know. Nine years together! I can hardly believe how fast they’ve flown.

Regular walks, thanks to Pablo who needs to be walked. I’m beginning to enjoy this activity more and more every morning.

The little puppy that my brother’s family got a few days ago. Bailey is a beagle pup and as sweet as they come. If you know how much I love dogs, you’ll know how glad I am to have this little bundle of cuteness live a block away!

For my new blogging friend from Israel, Judy Yaron, who brings a smile and deep thoughts to my day via her Cut The Crap Solutions and our interactions on Facebook. I’m so glad I ‘met’ her and many other interesting bloggers through Kathy Hadley’s Ultra Blog Challenge.